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Working from the intriguing hypothesis that Alzheimer's dementia is the result of a renegade protein-beta amyloid-Tanzi and others set out to find the gene responsible for its production. Decoding Darkness takes us deep into the minds and far-flung labs of many a prominent researcher, offering an intimate view of the high stakes of molecular genetics, the revolution that propels it, the obstacles that threaten to derail it, and the families whose lives are so dependent upon it. Tanzi and Parson ultimately reveal that Alzheimer's, like heart disease, may be effectively treated-even prevented.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Alzheimer's disease, a fatal, annihilating brain disorder, affects millions of men and women around the world. In the United States alone, perhaps one in five persons aged 75 or older suffers from it, though hundreds of thousands of younger people also bear the condition.

Despite its ubiquity, the malady was, until recently, considered a "backwater disease" to which little research attention (and funding) was paid. Advances in gene research, some spearheaded by neurologist Rudolph Tanzi, have led to a new understanding of the causes of Alzheimer's disease, and new possibilities for its cure. In this well-written account of that research, Tanzi and journalist-co-author Ann Parson examine the role of amyloid neuritic plaque, "mucked-up, misfolded protein that fibrilizes and forms rock-hard aggregates that the body can't get rid of." This plaque occurs in humans and certain other carnivorous species (including bears and dogs), and it appears to play a role in neurologic disorders of several kinds. Tanzi reports on recent studies in the use of cholesterol-reducing drugs in lessening levels of "brain dirt," as well as on research that suggests that cardiovascular exercise and a diet low in animal fats can benefit the brain as well as the body. He even cautiously hints that the conquest of Alzheimer's may occur in the very near future. For the time being, his book provides a thoughtful portrait of the illness and of the scholars and scientists who have devoted their lives to combating it. --Gregory McNamee
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Publishers Weekly

At the turn of the 21st century, Alzheimer's is the fourth leading cause of death of Americans. Twenty years ago, Tanzi, now a professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School and director of Massachusetts General Hospital's Genetics and Aging Unit, worked in a study examining the genetics of Huntington's disease, and while doing so he developed a method for locating disease genes and their proteins., Starting in the 1980s Tanzi applied these methods to the search for the cause or causes of Alzheimer's, a neurogenerative disease similar to Huntington's. In this fascinating storyDpart mystery, part scientific treatise, and part autobiographyDTanzi recounts every step along the way of the search. His own research rests on the hypothesis that deposits of the gummy protein amyloid form millions of plaques that settle between brain cells in the cerebral cortex as the result of a genetic mutation, and he chronicles the search for the gene that contains this mutation. Tanzi's tale (told with the help of science journalist Parson) is not just another sterile account of scientific discovery, as he weaves into his narrative the poignant stories of Alzheimer's families with whom he has worked and patiently guides readers through his own process of discovery and its implications for the future of Alzheimer's patients. (Nov.) Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Top customer reviews

Dr. Tanzi takes us into the fascinating and complex world of Alzheimer's Disease research--and shows us how imperative it is that better treatments and a cure be found for this horrible disease - and soon. Current treatments only delay the inevitable and with a Baby Boomer turning 65 every 13 seconds (10,000 a day for the next 18 years) the `Silver Tsunami' is fast approaching. The problem is by age 65, one in eight is afflicted with AD, and by age 85 (the fastest growing segment of population) nearly one in every two. Businesses lose multi-$billions a year due to AD, partly from absenteeism and lost productivity from employees' need to care for loved ones. Since there are 37+ million Seniors now and in two decades there will be 70+ million more - more funds are desperately needed for AD research. Dr. Tanzi has shown us how the research works and what needs to be done - now!

-Jacqueline Marcell, Author 'Elder Rage, or Take My Father... Please! How to Survive Caring for Aging Parents', International Speaker on Eldercare & Alzheimer's

Tanzi and Parson tell a fascinating story of medical discovery with great excitement and clarity. The science was not sugar coated, but was very clearly explained and written in a very literary and often amusing manner. The descriptions of the human genome project in this book were in many ways superior to those that have appeared in books prepared specifically on the topic. My interest in this book was prompted not so much from an interest in Alzheimers disease but originally came from a recommendation from a friend who actively reads books about the human genome revolution and gene research. After reading the book, I would definitely agree with her opinion that no other book in the genre explains the goals behind the human genome project (and especially how they relate to disease based research) as well as "Decoding Darkness". Also, the story of the family with inherited Alzheimers that runs parallel with the main story about the research was quite touching and provided a very nice break the excitement and hustle and bustle of the research discoveries described. Overall, I would have to say this is one of the best science genre books I have ever read...maybe the best after "The Double Helix". HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!

This book is a good overview of the past fifteen years of medical research into the genetic roots of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). The authors have a tough time finding the right level of detail for the scientific information they present - for the scientist I assume this book would be of little interest or use as it is pretty "toned-down," but the various nuances of the different technical research approaches can be a little dense for the non-scientist. However, for anyone who has a family member with the disease, this book may be inspiring as to how far the current state of research has come. It also may be disheartening as much about the disease is still unknown.The authors do a reasonably good job of being impartial and describing the various players and competing theories surrounding AD. However, they can't seem to completely avoid pointing out their various awards, honors and victories, which seemed a bit self-serving at times.Although the writing is sometimes choppy, there are some priceless vignettes that stick in the reader's mind. One example is the story of a researcher who flew all the way from the U.S. to a scientific conference in a remote town in Italy with his research results stuffed away into a pocket in order to avoid being scooped. Beyond giving me a better understanding of the basic pathology of AD, this book helped me to better understand the fiercely competitive world of scientific research, and the forces that drive these people we depend upon to cure disease and improve human health.

This is an excellent book on Alzheimer's research. It covers almost all aspects of interest in the field including genetics, molecular biology, drug discovery and clinical characteristics. The history of the various different discoveries is compellingly narrated and full of little anecdotes and sidelines, which makes the subject so much more fascinating and brings you very close to the people actively (and passionately) involved in all major advancements. In addition, the authors took great care to explain the complex biological processes and interactions of Alzheimer's disease using everyday English, avoiding scientific terminology whenever possible. This makes the book a highly enjoyable read not only for scientists and clinicians, but also - and especially - for the interested lay audience. It's a prime example that science writing does not have to be dry, dull and incomprehensible, but can be as exciting as reading a detective story: once you've started you just want to learn more and more and cannot stop until you have reached the last page. I can highly recommend 'Decoding Darkness' for everyone who is interested in how scientists from all over the world have been engaged in solving the many mysteries and riddles that lie behind this devastating disease.